Newcastle United v Brighton: Prediction, Tips and Odds

Newcastle United will look to move a step closer to reaching Wembley for the second time this season when they host Brighton in the fifth round of the FA Cup at St James' Park.

The Magpies will face Liverpool at the national stadium later this month in the EFL Cup final, but a win on Sunday would give the club's fans the chance to dream of an incredible cup double.

Sadly for Newcastle, they face a Brighton side that may well have found their rhythm just weeks after they were thumped 7-0 by Nottingham Forest at the start of February.

Newcastle United v Brighton betting tips and predictions

Brighton to win - 11/5

The Seagulls look incredible value for a big win on the road and they will have no fears about beating their hosts.

While Newcastle have grabbed the headlines for their form and European push, Brighton have quietly gone about their business and they are only two places and one point behind their hosts in the Premier League standings.

Newcastle head into Sunday's game on the back of two defeats in three, failing to score in both of those losses to Manchester City and Liverpool.

While Eddie Howe's side played two of the best teams in the Premier League in those defeats, Brighton have won four games on the spin and will be full of confidence.

They have already won at St James' Park in the Premier League this season, triumphing 1-0 in October, while they are unbeaten in three games against the Magpies.

More importantly, Newcastle are sweating over the fitness of striker Alexander Isak and his absence will be hard felt if he misses a second game on the spin. The Sweden international has scored 19 goals already this season and if he cannot prove his fitness, it reduces Newcastle's options in the final third.

Even if he does prove he can start, Isak may not be at his best and Brighton should be able to take full advantage.

Over 2.5 goals - 4/7

A potential Isak absence is far from ideal for Newcastle and for the neutrals, but Sunday's game should still be an end-to-end battle.

Brighton have scored two or more goals in each of their last four matches across all competitions, while the Seagulls have only lost four times on the road in 14 Premier League matches.

They have also scored two or more goals in seven of their last 10 games on their travels, while Newcastle have been used to some high-scoring matches as well.

In their last match at St James' Park, Newcastle ran out 4-3 winners against Nottingham Forest, and they have scored in 10 consecutive games in front of their own fans.

Georginio Rutter over 0.5 shots on target - 8/11

FA Cup ties can be used as a chance to experiment and rotate for some Premier League managers, but both Howe and Brighton coach Fabian Hurzeler will want to go all the way this season.

Reaching the fifth round means both teams have a realistic chance of lifting the trophy and that should mean both field their best starting XIs.

If that is the case, playmaker Georginio Rutter should start for Brighton. The former Leeds United ace is never afraid to shoot, registering an incredible 56 shots this season.

He has produced seven shots in his last two games alone, finding the target on three occasions.

Rutter is unique in his movement on the ball and he often finds space in the smallest of gaps on the edge of the box, so he should be able to test the Newcastle defence on numerous occasions.

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Newcastle United v Brighton odds

Newcastle - 23/20
Draw - 13/5
Brighton - 11/5

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.